The Manitoba government is looking for projects that conserve and enhance natural infrastructure and support the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires announced today.

“When we launched the Conservation Trust, we envisioned a partnership that would support projects aimed at preserving nature and addressing climate change,” Squires said. “One of the key pillars of our climate and green plan is a commitment to nature, and the Conservation Trust signals our continued efforts to protect the environment.”

The Conservation Trust was announced in Budget 2018 and will be permanently endowed so it can support and inspire important conservation projects for generations. When fully capitalized, the fund is expected to generate about $5 million a year and will be managed by The Winnipeg Foundation, with projects administered, tracked and evaluated by the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC). The agreement was signed today, with an initial $28 million contribution made towards the $102 million trust.

“This $28 million contribution is a welcome first step toward the goal of building a major trust, supporting important conservation projects in our province,” said Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation.

The minister noted the goal is to work with community groups and non-government organizations to increase the effectiveness of Manitoba’s efforts, and have the most impact at the grassroots level.

“We continue to take steps like this on the path to making Manitoba the cleanest, greenest, most climate-resilient province in the country,” Squires said. “We look forward to supporting projects that will make a difference in Manitoba for many years to come.”

“The Conservation Trust will offer new funding for Manitoba conservation organizations and that will translate into new projects and additional environmental benefits for Manitobans,” said Tim Sopuck, chief executive officer of the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation.

“The Conservation Trust is a unique and enduring approach to funding conservation and we are excited by the opportunity to ensure the best possible environmental outcomes.”

More information on the Conservation Trust and the proposal process is available on the MHHC website: www.mhhc.mb.ca

Letters of intent must be submitted by January 15, 2019 to be considered in the first round of proposals.